How to Maintain Your Charcoal Braai

Looking after your charcoal braai is essential to enjoy outdoor cooking for many years to come. A well-maintained braai is one that delivers delicious meals, time after time. When your braai is not cleaned properly or not cared for, you will notice the difference. Not only will you find that it starts to show signs of wear and tear, you will also notice that the taste of meat and other items cooked on the braai is affected. To help you get the most from your charcoal braai, we’ve put together a list of maintenance tips. 

Maintaining Your Charcoal Braai

Here are a few essential tips for proper charcoal braai maintenance. 

Cleaning

Always remove cold ash from the braai after use. A build-up of ash will block air vents, making it harder to control the temperature of your braai. Ash also absorbs moisture, which increases the risk of rust and corrosion of the interior parts. Avoid throwing water over hot coals, which will make a mess. Use brushes to clean the interior of any ash and build-up. You can also use specialised braai cleaning products. Clean grids and other parts separately using hot soapy water. Don’t forget to clean the inside of the lid, which often develops a build-up of smoke and residue. 

Storage

When your braai is not in use, always make sure that it is stored somewhere dry. A garage or covered patio is ideal. You can invest in a braai cover to add even more protection. If your braai is left outside, it will start to rust. This will drastically shorten its lifespan. 

Maintenance

Other than cleaning and storage, it’s also important to take preventative measures to keep your braai in top condition. One thing to avoid is painting or polishing the lid. You may think that this will make your braai look better. Braai lids have a baked-on porcelain enamel finish. This finish is glossy and made to last. Touching it up with paint or polish will result in a big mess as coating streaks down the lid. Instead, focus on cleaning the lid with hot soapy water, using a soft brush that does not scratch the surface. You can use the Chef Braai & Grill Cleaner to keep the surface looking clean.

Look after your Chef charcoal braai and you’ll be rewarded with tasty braais for many years to come.